April Press Release

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), along with the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities and Aspergers101, today announced initiatives designed to assist Texans who have communication impairments. In an effort to facilitate effective communication, DPS first reminded Texans of the communication impediment option that drivers may select to be reflected on their driver licenses/ID cards.

DPS also announced that it has recently coordinated with Aspergers101 to allow them to provide training and education to DPS officers about autism spectrum disorders, other disabilities and potential communications challenges associated with those disorders. In addition, the department announced that it is working with Aspergers101 to develop a Driving With Autism camp that will help increase driver confidence and practical skills.

“At DPS, our mission is to serve and protect the people of Texas,” said DPS Assistant Director for the Driver License Division Joe Peters. “This optional notice on the driver license and ID card puts important information in the hands of our law enforcement officers, which will help them better serve and protect individuals with a communication impediment.”

“Protecting and enhancing public safety for all Texans – on and off the road – is paramount for DPS,” said Major Jason Hester, DPS Education, Training and Research Division. “We are pleased to offer these new training initiatives, which will be powerful tools in enhancing understanding of law enforcement as well as help prepare and build confidence in potential drivers.”

Individuals diagnosed with certain medical conditions – such as autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, stuttering or hearing impairment – who experience challenges when communicating with others, may (but are notrequired to) request a communication impediment notice be placed on their driver license/ID card. Printed on the back of a driver license/ID card, the voluntary designation informs officers of a communication challenge – this awareness can help facilitate better communication during any encounter with the individual.

Working in conjunction with Aspergers101, DPS has expanded trooper recruit training to include segments that raise autism awareness among officers, and advise them on how best to approach and respond to an individual with autism during traffic stops and in other instances.

Once the program is developed and launched (later this year), the Driving With Autism camp will feature classroom instruction and hands-on driving practice for eligible drivers with a communication impediment. Camp attendees will also participate in role-play scenarios about what to expect during a traffic stop.

“Our committee is devoted to expanding opportunities for people with disabilities in all areas of life – one of those being transportation freedom,” said Ron Lucey, executive director of the Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities. “We commend DPS for these initiatives that will put that opportunity within reach for more individuals within the autism and disability communities.”

“These initiatives are truly groundbreaking. I have peace of mind knowing that I’m protected with the communication impediment driver license notice,” said Sam Allen, a Texas driver with autism and the son of Aspergers101 Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jennifer Allen. “The ability for me to drive is a stepping stone toward a life of independence; and I am grateful that initiatives like the ones announced today are changing the way law enforcement interacts with those with autism or other communication challenges.”

“Much of my fear about my autistic son driving has been eased thanks to the Texas Department of Public Safety. I deeply appreciate that DPS responded to our efforts to raise awareness and seek meaningful policies that accommodate those with a communication challenge related to autism, Asperger’s syndrome, brain injury or other speech impediments,” said CEO Jennifer Allen. “These initiatives set the stage for powerful well-rounded programs that other states hopefully will emulate.”

Founded by Jennifer Allen, Aspergers101 is a non-profit organization that provides information regarding high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome, and advocates for the autism community. Aspergers101 consists of a team of professionals, doctors, therapists, educators and individuals with autism. For more information, visit www.aspergers101.com.

April is National Autism Awareness Month and represents an opportunity for communities, organizations and individuals to promote understanding, inclusion and acceptance.

“Driving with Autism” is an Aspergers101 series that educates and empowers the driver diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome. Aspergers101 has teamed up with the Texas DPS in training Texas State Troopers about the uniqueness of Autism and understanding the Autistic driver. This partnership is garnering encouraging results.

Gabriela Lemos was born in Porto Alegre, Brasil, and was raised in San Antonio, Texas. She is currently a student at UTSA, graduating in December 2014 with a Bachelor degree in English. Brie states that she loves language and words, and the way in which people communicate with each other. She has always been interested and attracted to the autism community. “I find those on the spectrum to be incredible in so many ways, and I believe we can all learn from each other in our different strengths and weaknesses. I would love to use my talents to aid those who are not as strong in areas which I have confidence, and in turn receive an infinite amount of lessons and aid from those who I work with. Everything you send out, comes back to you, and I plan to practice sending out love and compassion every day”. We feel so fortunate to offer Brie’s talent of writing as well as her passion for autism awareness every week through our Aspergers101 Weekly.

“Driving with Autism” Is Proudly Endorsed By:

Addtional Resources for Driving with Autism

While driving with the autism diagnosis is not for everyone, some may seek their independence by way of obtaining their driver license. You might be weighing this option for yourself or for your son or daughter, either way, you are probably seeking more information on the topic so in addition to our "Driving with Autism" section on Aspergers101, we offer the following resources.
Additional Resources:
DriveWise and Drive Advise - The goal of DriveWise at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is to provide objective information about driving safety while providing support for individuals and their families.
Teen Driver Source - If your teen is ready to drive, download the TeenDrivingPlan Practice Guide, an interactive resource based on years of research, to help you effectively supervise your teen's driving practice, and a Goal Guide and Logging and Rating Tool to keep you on track.
The Challenge of Driving with Aspergers - Insightful article by By John O'Neil from the New York Times.
Driving : The National Autistic Society - Applying for a Drivers License in the UK
Teaching the Person with Autism How to Drive - This article written by a parent and speech pathologist whose young adult son has been taught to drive shares what steps are necessary for teaching the person with autism to drive.
My Aspergers Child: Asperger Teen and Driving a Car - Driving Tips and national statistics for you to consider.
Is Your Asperger Teen Ready to Drive? - Craig Kendall, the author of The Asperger’s Syndrome Survival Guide, discusses (in part 1 of 2) the driving challenges for teens with Aspergers.

Dr. Temple Grandin endorses “Driving with Autism” initiative

Dr. Temple Grandin endorses “Driving with Autism” initiative

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